Let's take a moment to review everything you need to know about distress flares!
The following information was compiled from Transport
Canada and flare manufacturer Orion.

About Flares

Use flares only in times of real distress. Before purchasing, make sure they
are approved by Transport Canada. There are four types of approved pyrotechnics:
A, B, C and D.

Aerial flares should be fired at an angle into the wind. With a high wind velocity,
lower the angle to a maximum of 45 degrees. Pyrotechnics are valid only
for four years from the date of manufacture, stamped on each flare.
To dispose of your outdated flares, seek advice from your local fire department,
law enforcement agency or Transport Canada Centre.

Store flares vertically in a cool, dry location (such as a watertight container)
to help them retain their efficiency, but keep them accessible in case of an
emergency.

Type A: Parachute

Single red star

When launched, reaches height of 300 m (984’) and with the aid
of parachute, comes down slowly

Easily observed from the surface or air

Burns for at least 40 seconds

Type B: Multi-star

Two or more red stars

When launched, reach a height of 100 m (328’) and burn for four
or five seconds each

Easily observed from the surface or air

Some Type B flares project only one star at a time. When using this single
star type, two flares must be fired within 15 seconds of each other. You
will need double the number of cartridges to meet the requirements of
the regulations.

Type C: Hand-held

Red flame torch held in your hand

Limited surface visibility

Best for pinpointing location during an air search

Burns for at least one minute

Avoid looking directly at the flare while it is burning. Ignite the flare
while holding it clear of the boat and down wind.

Type D: Smoke (buoyant or hand-held)

Produces a dense orange smoke for three minutes

Used only as a day signal

Some types are made especially for pleasure craft use that last one
minute and come in a package of three

Position your smoke flare down wind and follow the directions carefully.

Principles of Signaling

The purpose of distress signaling is: first to attract attention and second,
to provide a homing signal to guide the responding party to your craft. Remember,
nothing can happen until someone's attention is attracted. The most effective
distress signals for attracting attention are aerial flares and parachute flares
because they are moving, spectacular and cover a large sighting area. Once help
is on the way, handheld red signal flares, orange smoke signals and orange distress
flags serve as beacons helping rescuers to pinpoint your position and keep them
on course.

Aerial Signals
Aerial flares should be fired after sighting or hearing a potential rescue
vessel. To attract attention to your distress situation the U.S. Coast
Guard recommends that you fire 2 aerial flares, one immediately after
the other, so rescuers can confirm the sighting and the direction of the
signal. Parachute flares do not need to be fired in twos since a single
parachute flare has adequate burn time(25 to 30 seconds) to confirm sighting
and position.

Hand-Held Signals
Hand-held signal flares are intended as homing signals to pinpoint your
position. Surface to surface sighting range on water is approximately
3 to 5 miles, depending on boat elevation. If a rescuer is 5 miles away
and running at 20 miles per hour, it will take 15 minutes to reach you.
Therefore, you should have at least 12 minutes (total burn time) of signals
onboard to maintain a strong homing signal until help arrives.

When to Signal

Aerial
flares, and other "one-time" signals, should be fired only after sighting
or hearing a potential rescuer. Experts recommend that once an aircraft has
been sighted, one flare should be fired, then a second flare fired immediately
after the first to let search teams confirm the sighting and direction of the
signal. Remember, search and rescue missions often establish grid search patterns,
which means you may see the same aircraft 2 to 3 times coming from different
directions. Do not waste aerial flares if the aircraft has initially passed
by you. Carrying extra pyrotechnic signals will improve your chances of being
sighted.

4 Rules of Signaling

Conserve your signals until you are reasonably sure of being sighted. Wait
until you see or hear a vessel or aircraft before using "one-time"
signals.

Stay with the boat if it is safe to do so. A boat is easier to spot than
a swimmer.

U.S. Coast Guard approved marine signals improve your chances, but anything
that works is good. USE COMMON SENSE! Shout, flash your running lights, wave
a piece of clothing, use your windshield as a mirror, flash a flashlight,
ANYTHING that's available to attract attention. Above all, DON'T PANIC!

Familiarize yourself with your signals before you leave shore. Time is important
in any emergency and shouldn't be spent reading instructions.